Monday, February 27

Friday, February 24

Frankie Zumwalt of Grangeville, Kieran Owens, Carson Morrow and Trae Dominguez of Clearwater Valley and Jace Perrin of Prairie are all still in contention for state titles after the first day of action at the 2A state wrestling tournament in Nampa. In addition to three semifinalists, CV has two more in contention for medals, with Taylor Roy and Ty Dominguez both winning elimination matches.

Wednesday, February 22

“This community has been very supportive of King’s so this is really difficult,” said King’s Variety Store Manager Brad Olson, Grangeville.
Olson just recently learned that all King’s Variety Stores will close this year.
The closure will affect 15 employees in Grangeville.

After more than two years of discussion and planning, Syringa Hospital’s board of trustees signed an agreement Feb. 1 for Syringa Hospital District to affiliate with Kootenai Hospital District in Coeur d’Alene.

The Cottonwood City Council moved forward with two different approaches to boost business in the community at its regular February meeting. It approved a conditional use permit for a home-based business and a feasibility study for the former elementary school building.

This month, there’s a bill that would enshrine law enforcement video — dashcam video and body camera video — in public records law.
If it becomes law, this bill would hold county law enforcement videos to different standards than a county’s paper records.

Idaho County Democrats: Kudos for sponsoring the public education forum. It was nicely done with a moderator, three district superintendents and refreshments; attendance was great, sad we don’t see same turnout at school board meetings.

During the recent road closures, we ended up with many travelers stranded in town. The city opened the community hall in order to provide for a safe, warm place for people to go.
From that we have established a Hospitality Shelter Plan, knowing that there is a very real likelihood it will happen in the future.

Mark Tacke is turning 90 years young! His children would like to have you join in a celebration on Saturday, March 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cottonwood Community Hall downstairs room.
No gifts; your presence is present enough.

All pastors in Grangeville and vicinity, together with their spouses and ministry leaders, and those who want to pray together, are invited to a prayer meeting Saturday, Feb. 25, noon, at the Soltman Center in Grangeville. The assembly will spend an hour or so in prayer for each other and for their churches, and the needs of the various communities represented, and for our nation and its leaders in this the new administration, the Congress and the judiciary.
For information, Dick Lasse at 253-651-7759.

The snow is melting. This week we’ve seen blue sky, and new grass on the field, a tulip blooming here and there, and even a few discarded beer cans have been exposed, (you didn’t think I was only going to report butterflies and rainbows did you!) The change is coming, as we get out and about up here along the river a lighter weight jacket is ok, our mud boots instead of our winter pac’s, and even wear just two layers of thermal shirts instead of three.

The snow is melting pretty fast except for the drifts or piles of snow that the tractors made. I wasn’t home the day the three- foot drift outside my kitchen window went away. The wheat fields seem to have survived the snow cover for two and one-half months. Cottonwood Ski Butte still has lots of snow so you still have a chance to go skiing and not have to travel a long distance.

• Mike Westoff and Steve Lamont of Gem Builders Supply recently announced they be making some significant changes to the store beginning March 5. The original Main Street building will be removed to make way for a new facility.

My quote of the week is “When you cannot find the sunshine, be the sunshine.”
Congratulations to our eight Salmon River Lady Savages and their coach Paula Tucker for placing runners- up in the 2017 state girls basketball tournament. The Lady Savages won their first tourney game Thursday with Castleford with a close score of 52-51!

Bummer about the Lolo Pass snow sports demo day getting cancelled last weekend due to warming conditions. It sounded like it would have been a fun time. Hopefully all of the same partners will rally and make it happen next year.

Sue Philips would like everyone to be apprised of the following: “The Elk City Community Library would like to thank the Elk City General Store, Jessica and Damien, and their staff, for being a drop-off and pick-up site for library books.

Where has the month gone – we are in the last week of February! Seems that when you get older, the months start going by a little faster. But who’s old…and the months still pass quickly.
March 2 is the food bank at the WBARD building. Deer Creek Highway will be meeting on the 6th at 7 p.m. City council meeting will take place on the 8th at 6 p.m.

Local junior and senior high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in diesel mechanics, auto tech & repair, ag tech, welding, fab and machining and auto body repair are invited to an open house at Partsway tonight, Feb. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.

Local businesses and organizations are invited to attend one of the 10 upcoming “Listening to Industry” forums hosted by the North Central Idaho Travel Association.
Do you have a tourism-focused business? Do you have business opportunities that you don’t have time to build on? Are you having trouble connecting your customers to other interests and attractions that would keep them coming to you for business? Do you have trouble attracting and retaining help? Are you interested in collaborating to increase your customer base and improve profitability?

The Festival of Hearts, a fund-raiser hosted by the Syringa Hospital Foundation, was held at the Grangeville Elks Lodge last Saturday night, Feb. 18. Prize winners for the evening: Alex Frei won a $500 gift certificate from B&B Bargain; Jeff Day won a gun safe from B&B Bargain; Jennifer Zimmerman from Inland Northwest Blood Center won the muzzleloader; and Jake Simler won the .22 rifle.

When Grangeville High senior Tristen Bledsoe transferred from Moscow before his junior year, he brought one small state experience with him: he had traveled to Pocatello as an alternate, and shot video of his teammates there.

After Lapwai’s golden generation took a third straight state title with a 79-40 win over Prairie last Saturday, Feb. 18, PHS coach Lori Mader gave the Wildcats their due with a nod to their pending graduation: “The one thing I’m not sad at all about today is all these [Lapwai] girls going bye-bye,” Mader told the crowd in a post-game speech.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission today directed Fish and Game staff to develop a proposed bill for consideration by the Idaho Legislature that would create a new $5 charge to purchase an Adult Resident annual hunting, fishing or trapping license.

Announced in December, the Big Cedar School in Idaho County was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
The historic schoolhouse is one of more than two dozen structures and sites in Idaho County listed in the register, the purpose of which is to recognize their importance and provide honorific designation, while increasing public awareness and appreciation for these properties.

It is time for the 40th annual St. Mary’s / Holy Cross parish dinner. Ever year in February, the scents of roast beef, ham, homemade potatoes, rolls and desserts can be counted on wafting from the Keuterville Hall. This year’s event is Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A transition in the White Bird City Council uncovered issues handling municipal business. Mayor Pro Tem Homer Brown was firm he will rectify any issues the council may have made.
In the midst of the transition it appears water and sewer billing statements have not been entered and mailed for both January and February, taxes went unpaid for an unknown amount of time, and the annual city budget may not have been adopted by the council.

During the February regular meeting of the White Bird City Council, Homer Brown presided as mayor pro tem after acting mayor Rod Pilant requested a six-month leave of absence. Pilant was unable to attend the meeting because of his declining health, and previously submitted his request to the council.

Seasons freeze and thaw cycles are affecting area hillslides, causing tree and rock slides across roadways. Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for debris, such as this car-sized boulder pictured Sunday morning, Feb. 19, on State Highway 13, milepost 14.9. This boulder was removed by the Idaho Transportation Department.

Absentee voting started Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Idaho County Courthouse for regional school district levies up for decision in the March 14 election.
Those wishing to register to vote in this election can either do so at the polls election day; or they can register at the courthouse, however, they will need to also vote at that time.

he City of Ferdinand mailed a letter to residents warning them of high levels of nitrates detected in the water. At its regular city meeting Feb. 14, the council was updated on further testing and the impact for the city.

Personally, having served as SHD trustee for the better part of six years, I recommend the experience as a unique and rewarding opportunity to support the hospital and surrounding communities within the hospital district.

An Orofino man was flown to a Boise hospital following a one-vehicle accident just south of Lucille Sunday morning, Feb. 19. The responding state trooper said a stroke of luck may have saved the driver, given the vehicle missed being submerged in the Salmon River.

The real potential crisis for Idaho County is if SRS funds are not reauthorized by Congress. I think every day about how we are going to make up for a $7 million hole for the schools and roads in this county without breaking the backs of the taxpayer.

Thursday, February 16

How much is this going to cost?
It’s one of the main questions people ask their auto mechanic. While most mechanics are honest people who strive to give complete, accurate estimates, it’s not always possible to foresee all the costs.

Not a Quilter? Many choices available!
Guess what? If you want to quilt, you don’t have to make a quilt! That’s right, you can make lots and lots of other things besides an entire quilt. Like what you ask?

It’s no secret the real estate industry has evolved during the last decade. With the Internet, all the property search options and automated valuation calculators available, buyers have unprecedented access to property information at their fingertips, without depending on a real estate agent.

Winter continues for a while longer, but for many of us, we’re already thinking about spring planting. Until that cold and snow goes away so we can start getting our nails dirty in a spring soil, satisfy your green thumb addiction with an indoor garden project that also makes use of all those empties you’ve been tossing away while binge-watching Downton Abbey or Game of Thrones.
Thought about a wine bottle planter?

Have you ever had that zing in a tooth when eating ice cream, or moment of cringe when your hygienist is cleaning around certain teeth?These are actually popular experiences people have due to dentin hypersensitivity.

Wednesday, February 15

More and more farmers are using auctions to buy and sell their equipment.
“The cost of used farm equipment is on the rise,” says Kyle Musick, owner of GoBidToday.com. “With the costs of new equipment, smaller farmers can’t justify buying their tractor from the local dealer.”
So where do they go?

Problems from rain and melting snow are forecasted to resume starting Thursday, Feb. 16, according to the National Weather Service office in Missoula.
A warm and wet system, complete with mild temperatures and measurable rainfall, will occur Thursday through Friday. While this system will be quick to cross through the region, a total of a half- inch to an inch of rain is likely during this time.

Grangeville junior Ryan Ruklic was one of a couple of Bulldogs to score 14 points at Kamiah last Thursday — and Ruklic was one of the tall players who battled Orofino’s bigs effectively during a key league game the prior Monday, Feb. 6.

FEB. 15 UPDATE: EVENT CANCELED - Due to the recent warm temperatures and increasing runoff in the Lolo Pass Winter Recreation area, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests has decided to cancel the Winter Demo Day that was planned for this Saturday, Feb. 18.

Winter provides great opportunities to view Idaho wildlife, but it is very important to enjoy the view from a distance. Winter can be very stressful for wildlife, especially in winters like this when snow is deep or crusted.

Lapwai came in to the Whitepine League’s district tournament like a rising tide, and swept Potlatch 83-19 and Prairie 70-36. Under their own hoop, the Pirates held their ground, but Lapwai flooded every other inch of the floor.

Freshman forward Jakaili Norman scored double-digits during Grangeville’s dominant first half last Saturday, Feb. 11, against 2A state tournament play-in foe Marsing and the GHS lead grew to eight, 35-27, on a Norman hoop during the third quarter.

The Whitepine League’s district basketball tournament featured a contest that came down to the final minute as Genesee held off the Clearwater Valley boys 49-45 Monday night, Feb. 13, at the LCSC activity center.

Who wants to go out in this weather to go eat or get groceries. Your car is broken down and you need parts. You have a prescription ready but are too sick to pick it up. All you need to do is call Come On Delivery and they will bring whatever you need right to your door.
Starting this week, Come On Delivery will be serving Cottonwood and the surrounding area. They will be available from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., seven days a week. In-town delivery charge will be $5 and include .50/mile for out-of-town deliveries.

If you have been down on the river you have noticed all the ice chunks floating down and the chocolate coloring to our water. Mother Nature is still at it so please be careful when near the rivers and streams as many are running high and swift.

Lowell Syringa News is back. Ace reporter, me, Marie Smith, has picked up her iPod, to report the comings and goings from Idaho County’s least populated communities.
The winter has been rough, with rain, wind, snow, ice and dark of night. We had ice chunks floating down the Lochsa for eight hours last Friday. The river was up at least three feet. Our Internet has been out, our TV satellite dishes covered with snow over ice, and we are restless. Highway 12 has snow floor in spots and threats of avalanches with snow melting. The traffic passes slowly this time of year, and we depend on ITD to be forever clearing the highways for us.

Happy Valentine’s Day! May you and those who are special to you have a great day. We especially ask God’s blessing on all married couples. Maybe our days of being snowbound are over. We have certainly had our share this year.

My quote of the week is “When you see something beautiful in someone, tell them…it may take seconds to say, but for them, it could last a lifetime.”
Congratulations to The Salmon River Lady Savages! They are on their way to State Basketball Tournament with a 69-47 win over Council in District play Tuesday, Feb. 7, earning them the title of District Champions of the Long Pin League 1AD2. Our girls will play their first game tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 16, at 6:15 p.m., at Nampa High School in Nampa. School will be dismissed early Thursday so everyone who wants may go cheer on our Lady Savages.
Women with Bait Fishing Tournament is going full force…there are a lot of women fishing and competing for prizes all month long. The women are on the river with their guides and boat drivers trying to make the catch of the day and the month.

Groundhog Day seemed to be a turning point in the weather, with snow, rain, hail, mudflows since then. An exciting and beautiful drive on Friday, as the ice broke up and huge chunks floated down the Clearwater River. It’s not quite spring yet, but it sure seems possible now! The final count for the Groundhog Day Feed in Clearwater is 444 breakfast eaters and 3,540 pounds of sausage (including sausage sold to take home). Wow, that’s a lot of hogs!

•A wary, old cougar, emboldened by the pangs of hunger, ventured into the feed lot at the Fred Marshall ranch in the Toll-gate section, Thursday night, and killed a nice fat two hundred pound hog being fattened for butchering next month.

Attendees packed the Grangeville Elks Lodge Friday night, Feb. 10, for the annual Camas Prairie Friends of the NRA Banquet. Funds raised from the event go 50/50 toward state and national education programs, none to political causes. Past local programs supported include “Women on Target” and the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office shooting safety clinic.

The Old Time Fiddlers and friends played music at the Idaho County Veterans Community and Outreach Center in Grangeville Friday, Feb. 10, while local historian Eldene Wasem signed her book, “Taming the Meadows.”

Saturday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m., the Baptist church is showing the movie, The Insanity of God. The movie portrays the search by Nik Ripken of “why so many Christians of the world are willing to suffer and die for Christ” If you didn’t see the flyer, it tells that he set out on a quest to find the answer and followed the events from Somalia to Russia and China. “The events of the film are true and faithfully portrayed … This is not a movie for the faint hearted or for little children.” Everyone is invited. Popcorn will be served!

Funding concerns, educational needs and Common Core questions were all part of a community forum held Monday night, Feb. 13, at the Grangeville Senior Citizens Center.
A panel of three local school superintendents presented overviews of their schools as part of a forum sponsored by the Idaho County Democrats, and more than 65 people attended the event to listen and ask questions.

It was dominoes play time at Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center Friday, Feb. 10. Assistant activities director Marilyn Deardorff (not pictured) played several games with residents prior to lunch time. (Left) Mary Howery watches as Jerry Rothchild plays his domino and (right) Colleen Prickett is thoughtful about her game plan.

The Idaho STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Action Center recently awarded more than a quarter-million dollars in PK12 grants to education professionals and organizations throughout the state — including $4,800 to Grangeville Elementary Middle School and the Grangeville Elementary Middle School PTA.

In the past month, Cottonwood residents and visitors have witnessed a flurry of activity in downtown Cottonwood. A new business opened, auctions were held at another site and work on two other retail spaces is under way.
As well as generating interest among residents, city leaders are pleased with the recent activity as well.

VEST (Valley Educational Support Team — InVESTing in School and Community) will host its second annual fun-raiser Saturday. March 11, at the Outpost/Opera House in Kooskia.
The event starts at 6 p.m. with student performances. There will be a social and silent auction that will begin at 6:30 p.m., with dinner, catered by Stephanie Duclos, at 7 p.m.

Months of snow came off in a rush last Thursday, Feb. 9, as temperatures warmed that —- assisted by gusting winds — turned ice into rushing water.
Reports started coming in to the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office at 7:21 a.m....

Cottonwood resident Carole Toennis will be honored with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Ferdinand gym to celebrate her 80th birthday.
Carole was born Feb. 14, 1937, in Cottonwood, to John and Eleanor Lightfield – a Valentine baby!

Tucker and Gay Lindsey enjoyed a dance at the Fireman’s Ball in White Bird last Saturday, Feb. 11, at Hoot’s Cafe. The annual event is hosted by the White Bird Chamber and will benefit the fire departments of Grangeville, White Bird, Riggins, and the Salmon River Rural Dept.

A benefit breakfast to help White Bird Mayor Rod Pilant is set for this Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Eagles Aerie on C Street. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and drinks will be served from 7 a.m. to noon. In addition, a bake sale will be held. Cost is $7 per person. To purchase tickets ahead of time, contact Hannah Aiken at 305-4055. Feel free to pay at the door, as well.
Pilant is facing a double-lung transplant and all funds will be used to help defer medical expenses.
Pilant was diagnosed with Diffused Systematic Scleroderma in 2008. His lungs are now functioning at 30 percent and he is now on oxygen full time. A Go Fund Me account has also been set up at gofundme.com/rod-Pilant-medical-expenses.

Are congressional term limits an idea whose time has come? Whoa, not so fast.
President Donald Trump rode into the White House on the wave of that public sentiment voicing “It’s time for a change.” Now, looking to strike while the iron is hot, Idaho’s Rep. Raul Labrador is introducing a term limits constitutional amendment for congressional members.

To restore constitutional balance, we must bring the career politicians home and replace them with patriots ready to make the hard choices necessary for prudent governance. That is why I have introduced a term limits constitutional amendment, H.J. Res. 50, restricting service in Congress to six two-year terms in the House and two six-year terms in the Senate. The resolution has 12 original co-sponsors.

On Dec. 30, 2016, I traveled to the Grangeville Centennial Library for a little research. I found a large, three-dimensional display marking the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
Then began Political Broad, a blog where once every two weeks I take a peek at the functions of government. To get readers up to speed, I have focused the past three blog posts on the Bill of Rights.

Have you considered how important Syringa Hospital, the clinic, the medical staff and emergency service unit are to this town, and to you and me personally? So often we take things for granted and just assume they will manage themselves and be there for us in our time of need.
This spring we have an opportunity to have input and to be involved in how this critical facility operates. In May, we will be electing our hospital board of trustees.

In response to Rep. Erpelding’s opinion [Feb. 8 issue] I have a few points for the people to ponder.
When it comes to education why don’t the Democrats and Rep. Erpelding support school choice and the right of parents to choose?

I invite you to play a part in this exciting time in your hospital’s history. Contact your hospital board members and let them know your concerns. Consider even running for the hospital board of trustees this May to allow your skill set to augment those of this dedicated group of public servants.

Review your tax bill. Look at your total taxes, then the School District Supplement. Our family’s District 244 School Supplement represents 43 percent of our taxes! Previously, I’ve voted for every district supplemental levy for nearly three decades. I’m not certain this time.

“I enjoy working with people and helping reduce any losses and conflicts they may be having,” said Cody Wilson, wildlife specialist, U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services.
Old school, this position was called government trapper, nowadays, wildlife specialist.

For Idaho County, 2016 saw a dramatic increase in crop production, in comparison to the prior year, per data released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Increases, per crop, varied from more than half to one-and-a-half times what producers saw in 2015.

In anticipation of Central Idaho Art Association’s (CIAA) 50th Spring Show, May 4, 5, and 6, CIAA celebrates founding member, Ladd Arnoti. The 50th Show remains at the Bicentennial Historical Museum and will feature the art of Founding Members. Ladd Arnoti was featured artist at the very first CIAA Art Show.

Hunters still have today to apply for Idaho’s spring black bear controlled hunts, as applications must be filed by Wednesday, Feb. 15. Spring turkey controlled hunt applications must be in by Wednesday, March 1.

Thursday, February 9

Wednesday, February 8

The Idaho Transportation Department has announced it will close Highway 12 because of increasing danger for avalanches. The road between mileposts 126 and 139 will close at 9 p.m. tonight. ITD also reports between Pete King Creek Road and the Colgate Licks rest area will be closed this evening.

Grangeville High School will be seeking a new principal for the 2017-18 school year.
Current GHS Principal Steve Higgins notified the school board and staff Tuesday, Feb. 7, he will step down as principal. Higgins has been hired as the superintendent for Kamiah School District 304.

While a settlement was reached Jan. 27 restricting oversize loads traveling the Lochsa River corridor, the agreement will require shipping companies to receive two approvals. There are now two sets of guidelines for oversize loads and criteria must be met both through Idaho Transportation Department and the U.S. Forest Service.

What issues are upcoming, and where do Democrats head from here?
Officials with the Idaho Democratic Party (IDP) spoke to more than 40 people who attended a Sunday morning politics potluck, Jan. 29, at the Soltman Center in Grangeville. Key speaker was Mat Erpelding, Dist. 19 Representative and Minority Leader for the House. He acknowledged the continuing challenge of electing Democrats in a Republican-dominated state; for his own part, he didn’t get into politics, he said, because it was easy.

A small graduation ceremony was held last week in Cottonwood. There were no caps with tassels and no family members to mark the milestone.
About 10 prisoners received certificates Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI). Those receiving recognition fulfilled requirements for the General Education Diploma (GED), substance abuse program, vocational training, and a program called Thinking for a Change.

Work was falling to pieces last Saturday. Busy hands operated sewing machines while others moved rotary cutters across fabric, which would head to the stitchers, later to undergo the hot pressure of irons.
“We couldn’t have done anything without our pressing fairies,” one woman said. But ensuring stitched seams were steamed flat and true was among all the essential steps in turning fabric into handmade quilts that would soon be bestowed upon area military veterans.

Twenty-two people sat in the Grangeville Elementary Middle School Community Room Thursday evening, Feb. 2, to discuss a policy that will affect the more than 570 students at GEMS.
“This is a very delicate subject and, frankly, I have been surprised that more people in our communities have not come to meetings about this,” said Mountain View School District 244 trustee Jeremy Harris of Grangeville.

Our January thaw has come, now that it is February, and along with that it brings the wind. We go from one extreme to the other. I know we need the moisture, but everyone is finally had their fill of winter even with six more weeks of it to be had.

• Beth Keeler, along with her mother, Eddy Devin, opened Devin’s Home Care in January. The business’ mission is to allow clients to stay in their homes “by providing the best screened and best trained caregivers to assist them.”

My quote of the week is, “We make a living by what we get; We make a life by what we give,” Winston Churchill. Tis Valentine’s season…think about giving love and attention to your family and friends via visits, cards, calls, flowers, candy, etc.

Finally, we were able to get the snow pile off of our porch. I think the animals are happier with the milder weather also. We are hoping for better weather for calving. It is pretty tough for those little ones when it is so cold. A hair dryer blowing on them works wonders!

Lewis-Clark State College Grangeville Outreach has a list of 12 enrichment classes for this spring. Included is the Wednesday, Feb. 15, “PowerPoint 2013” class instructed by Dale Brege and held at the Grangeville computer lab. This is set to be held 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with a cost of $35. Call coordinator Carla Nuxoll Wilkins at 983-2164 or e-mail cnwilkins@lcsc.edu.

A love of cooking handed down from a grandmother inspired a Cottonwood woman to embark on a new business venture. Veronica Johnson opened C’est la V’s to the public in the Duman Mini Mall Monday, Jan. 30.

In the event the unthinkable occurs, the Salmon River Joint School District wants to be prepared to adequately handle a crisis. In an effort to be proactive, board members have discussed various points of a conceal carry policy for the past year, and on Feb. 6 sent a letter to all district patrons.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife plan to capture 100 bighorn sheep in five Hells Canyon herds by Feb. 14 as part of the ongoing Hells Canyon Initiative to restore bighorn sheep populations. Bighorn sheep will be captured by net gunning from a helicopter and brought to a processing site near the capture location.

The first month of the Idaho legislature has ended and it’s clear that education continues to be the top concern amongst Idahoans. However, it remains unclear if it is a priority during this session. The majority party has either been distracted with their own internal quarreling or has focused on legislation that harms Idaho’s national reputation and damages our economy.

The away stretch of the home-and-home series that will decide Grangeville’s place in the Central Idaho League turned in the Bulldogs’ favor when senior forward Patrick Schumacher banked in a three-pointer with 11 seconds to go last Monday night, Feb. 6.

A strong second quarter lifted the PHS girls to a 42-32 win over Troy last Thursday night, Feb. 2.
That night, reigning 1AD1 state champion Lapwai thundered Potlatch 83-19, so the Wildcats and the Pirates will play for the district title this Friday night, Feb. 10.

Childcare providers can earn three IdahoSTARS credits at no cost by attending the early literacy workshop offered by Prairie-River Library District and the Idaho Commission for Libraries March 13 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in Nezperce.

It was a World’s Fair extravaganza right here in Grangeville, Jan. 26.
More than 20 local homeschooled kids and their families presented the fair at the E-Free Church, offering historical tidbits on various countries as well as tastes of food associated with the traditions and cultures of their chosen country’s people.

Having whipped the Loggers 62-41 in January, the Pirates were caught on the return leg of the season series when Potlatch’s Devin Richards sank a lead-changing three-ball with 36 seconds left in overtime. The shot was good for a 41-40 Loggers win last Saturday night, Feb. 4.

Michael and Mariah Smith of Grangeville, Idaho, are the parents of a baby daughter. Stella Mae Lee Smith was born Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Cottonwood. Idaho. She weighed eight pounds and was 21 inches long.

The 40th annual St. Mary’s / Holy Cross Parish Dinner is set for Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keuterville Hall.
Dinner Includes roast beef, tossed salad, green beans, ham, fruit cup, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy and homemade desserts. Prices are $9 for adults; $4 for grade school kids first through sixth; and no charge for kids younger than first grade
Bingo will be played all day long and a raffle drawing is set for 4 p.m.

After an absence due to loss of funding for a few years, the AmeriCorps volunteer service program is again alive and well in Idaho.
At Kids Klub, Inc., afterschool program, that has translated to Grangeville High School senior Alyssa Madden being the 22nd AmeriCorps volunteer for the organization.
Madden has worked for Kids Klub since her sophomore year of high school as an employee, but applied for the AmeriCorps position in 2016.

More than 65 local children from Grangeville Elementary Middle School, Sts. Peter and Paul and homeschool participated in the annual Kids Klub sponsored “The Tortoise Versus the Hare: The Greatest Race” performance Friday, Feb. 3, at GEMS. The Missoula Children’s Theatre performance is paid for by the Kids Klub and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Pictured here are part of the Thespian Troupe at dress rehearsal Friday afternoon.

When is it okay to spell February as “Febrewary”? When you are talking about Kamiah’s upcoming Brewfest! This event, sponsored by the Kamiah Chamber of Commerce, features local breweries- Wolf Track, Trestle, Clearwater and Riverport. While I can’t personally vouch for the rest of them, I’m a big fan of Wolf Track, Idaho County’s oldest brewery. We always carry an empty growler or two to take some beer home when we’re heading to Cottonwood and enjoy visiting with brewers John and Polly.

Friday, February 3

TIMES PAST: More Than A Century Of Idaho County News - Feb. 1
10 YEARS AGO
February 7, 2007
“Worse things could happen. We’ll be OK,” shrugged Jeff Ratcliff surveying the charred remains of his home. The Ratcliff house at 1301 School Street, Cottonwood, burned last Thursday morning.

Thursday, February 2

More snow is coming to North Central Idaho starting Friday morning, Feb. 3.
According to the National Weather Service (Missoula office), a relatively warm, wet weather pattern will bring prolonged moderate to heavy snow, and a mix of freezing rain/rain/snow for the lower elevations beginning Friday through early next week.

During last week’s Idaho Fish and Game Commission annual meeting in Boise, House Resources and Conservation Committee Chairman Rep. Marcus Gibbs of Grace, returned two Idaho Fish and Game legislative proposals to the Fish and Game Commission. Gibbs informed the F&G commissioners neither proposal will receive a committee print hearing, where the committee determines whether a proposal will be printed and numbered as a bill.

With Idaho Fish and Game winter feeding big game in areas of southern Idaho, hunters are reminded that mountain lions and gray wolves may not be hunted or pursued within one-half mile of any active Fish and Game big game feeding site. In addition, wolves cannot be trapped within the same distance.

For the first time, the annual Elks Hoop Shoot state championship will be held in Grangeville. It’s set for Feb. 4, and the six first-placers at the district shoot held last Saturday in Lewiston qualified.

The Salmon River girls had taken an unexpected loss on a last-second shot against Tri Valley earlier this season, but made certain no late twist of luck could turn around the final score last Saturday night, Jan. 28, routing the Titans 63-30 on the strength of Maddy Tucker’s 35 points.

More than enough was donated to ensure several replacements for years to come ensuring safe access for all who visit our clinic. The Lindsley family’s generosity and kindness will not soon be forgotten.

The “best” way to return power to the people is to repeal the 16th Amendment with the FAIRtax bill HR 25 / S 18. You see, the 16th took freedom, liberty and civil rights from We the People and gave government huge new taxing power to directly tax us.

eff Sessions’ entire career is anti-woman, opposing any bill meant to help rape and abuse victims, believes the military needs to fix pornography and not rape, and doesn’t think grabbing a woman by the genitals is sexual assault.

Nowadays, I don’t see any improvement in the morals of young, sports team participants. So where is the dead-to-self Christian among them to expose their low morals and remedy any damage that they may have done to others?

A deal that stood ready to deepen trade relationships between the United States and Pacific Rim countries such as Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan was deep-sixed last week, when the new administration in Washington D.C. officially tossed the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

IDFG has been disingenuous and playing fast and loose on this issue for years. This project was accelerated, banking on the public not being able to hold agencies accountable through the courts. The remedy was fair because the information was collectedly illegally, and its use further threatens wilderness character.

Following the announcement of a $57,577 loss for fiscal year 2016 for Syringa Hospital and Clinics, board trustee Twila Hornbeck of Grangeville had a question for CPA Carl Swenson.
“What should we be watching for – do you see any areas of concern?” asked Hornbeck at the Jan. 24 regular board meeting.

On Jan. 20, 10 Grangeville High School students traveled to Lewiston to participate in the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Regional Competition for districts 1 and 2 at Lewis-Clark State College.

How is your winter going? Tired of the snow yet? I suppose the skiers are happy. The Butte will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, is a ski day for Kamiah School students from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Audiences of all ages will get a fresh look at an old favorite this Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. when the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) and more than 60 local students present “The Tortoise Versus the Hare.”

The Idaho County Genealogy Society is now open for business at 111 South Idaho Street, right behind the Grangeville United Methodist Church in the blue house. Hours will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m.

Local author Eldene Wasem will sign her book “Taming the Meadows,” a historical and pictorial book about McComas Meadows, Thursday, Feb. 9. 1 to 4 p.m., at the Idaho County Veterans and Community Center on Grangeville’s East Main Street.

The American Legion Post No. 75 in Kamiah will host Bingo this Friday at 618 Main Street, 7:30 p.m. Come out and support veterans and the community hall with $100 blackout, 50/50 drawing, free coffee and concessions for sale.

One benefit of the longer days is that I’m commuting in the daylight more often. I’ve noticed some gorgeous ice falls on the cliffs along the South Fork Clearwater. I stopped to take a photo of the ones across from Clearwater Valley High School.

I wanted to extend a special thank you to the Lindsley family of Lindsley’s furniture in Grangeville from the community of Elk City for their generous donation of outdoor carpeting for the handicap ramp leading into our medical clinic.

“Academically, each year the kids seem to come in a little less prepared,” said Mountain View School District 244 Superintendent Kent Stokes at the monthly trustee meeting Jan. 17 during his regular report.
Stokes said the state education standards have “changed dramatically,” and a good portion of students entering kindergarten are not as prepared as they need to be.

Idaho County’s economy had a so-so year. Nonfarm payroll jobs remained unchanged around 4,230—with some sectors adding a few jobs and other losing a few. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in November, down slightly from the 5.9 percent the previous year.
Kathryn Tacke, regional economist, Labor Public Affairs Bureau, Idaho Department of Labor out of Lewiston, recently sat down to crunch numbers on Idaho County’s 2016 economy.

Firefighters spent hours battling a two-story structure fire late into Saturday evening that looked poised to consume the entire home. But a tactic allowing the blaze to breech the roof provided the opening crews took to arrest its progress and largely save the ground floor and most of its personal property.

Storm damage, disasters or emergencies: Before problems occur, or if and when they do, Idaho County is ready with a plan.
Last month noted the last of the region’s governmental entities to sign on to the Idaho County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. On Jan. 17, the City of Grangeville adopted by resolution the plan

After months of work, meetings and review, the Mountain View School District 244 Use of Force Policy has gone back to the drawing board – at least for another month.
Superintendent Kent Stokes, along with clerk Becky Hogg and director of curriculum Cody Weddle, worked on condensing the policy and presented that shorter version at the Jan. 17 board meeting. The new draft is at three pages while the original was nine pages.

Think yard waste and brush is an expensive problem now? Dumping it is about to start costing Idaho and Lewis counties an additional $110,000 a year, minimum, under the agreement the counties have with Robert Simmons of Simmons Sanitation.

Rylie Arnzen gets into tap dancing to “Love is An Open Door,” from Frozen. She and about 20 other students participated in Shirley’s Dance Studio Grangeville recital held at Grangeville High School Saturday, Jan. 28. Shirley’s is celebrating 60 years in business this year. Call 509-758-6510 for Grangeville lesson information.